A Saskatchewan success story
“I walk in two worlds,” says Cara Arcand, a successful registered nurse (RN) who is living her life while embracing her culture and her career. Her path has been a winding one, starting on the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. She always wanted to help others. Nursing chose her as much as she chose nursing. She always strived to do more. Between raising her son and dealing with her mother’s health issues, she still managed to complete her Bachelor of Nursing degree.
Her career has been very diverse, working in Community Health at Poundmaker Cree Nation and teaching Indigenous students before moving to Saskatoon to work at the Saskatoon City Hospital Rehabilitation Centre. Cara continues to spend a lot of time with her parents on the Whitecap First Nation. She has worked with Indigenous people all her life.
Cara is passionate about her successful career, but her culture is very important to her. Dancing at the Pow Wow is a spiritual experience keeping her connected to her people.
“My manager is open and accepting of all differences. He accepts that I am Indigenous and that my culture is important to me,” says Cara. “My culture, including my dancing, is a top priority. He understands that when we dance, it’s our church.”
Her coworkers are close knit and provide a support system where they can rely on each other. Look for Cara who is being featured in the Saskatchewan Health Human Resources testimonial campaign and was in a Grey Cup ad this weekend.
Click here for more information on the HHR campaign and incentives for health-care workers in Saskatchewan.